Epidemiological studies are concerned with the investigation of risk factors and determinants of cancer. Risk factors could include lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise or smoking behaviour), the environment (for example, radiation levels, quality of drinking water), or chemicals and substances in the work environment. Determinants of cancer are those factors that make a person more or less likely to develop cancer, but do not in themselves cause cancer. Epidemiological studies also help us to understand cancer prevention and the effect of screening.

Epidemiological research looks at risk factors and determinants in entire populations to understand similarities and differences in individuals. Epidemiological studies currently being conducted in Nova Scotia are considering the population of the province as a whole. As a result of epidemiological findings, researchers can recommend or develop tools to improve cancer prevention and screening, or direct clinical research into mechanisms of the development of cancer.